Description

Introduction
The human body contains many specialized tissues that are capable of
fulfilling an incredible variety of functions necessary for our survival. This
volume in the Human Cell Culture Series focuses on mesenchymal tissues
and cells. The in vitro study of mesenchymal cells is perhaps the oldest form
of human cell culture, beginning with the culturing of fibroblasts.
Fibroblasts have long been generically described in the literature, arising
from many tissue types upon in vitro cell culture. However, recent studies,
many enabled by new molecular biology techniques, have shown
considerable diversity in fibroblast type and function, as described within
this volume.
Mesenchymal tissue types that are described within include bone,
cartilage, tendons and ligaments, muscle, adipose tissue, and skin (dermis).
The proper function of these tissues is predominantly dependent upon the
proper proliferation, differentiation, and function of the mesenchymal cells
which make up the tissue. Recent advancements in primary human
mesenchymal cell culture have led to remarkable progress in the study of
these tissues. Landmark experiments have now demonstrated a stem cell
basis for many of these tissues, and, furthermore, significant plasticity and
inter-conversion of stem cells between these tissues, resulting in a great deal
of contemporary excitement and controversy. Newly-developed
mesenchymal cell culture techniques have even lead to novel clinical
practices for the treatment of disease. The specialized state-of-the-art culture
and assay techniques required to grow, differentiate, and assay human
mesenchymal cell types for research and clinical applications are described
in detail in this volume. In addition, the procurement and processing of
human cells from these diverse tissue types are addressed to guide scientists
in this area of research.